GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to support Venezuela’s earthquake response. The requested funds will cover 12 months of emergency relief and early recovery initiatives. This appeal comes after the June 24 earthquakes that caused destruction in northern and central regions of the country. As of July 16, authorities reported 4,930 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Thousands of families remain displaced and without secure housing. The appeal emphasizes shelter, healthcare, and early recovery as key priorities in the response effort.
The IOM strategy includes coordination of sites, protection services, and aid for damaged public infrastructure. It also encompasses water supply systems, health clinics, and other vital services. The agency identified La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón among the regions affected. Many communities continue to face housing destruction and utility disruptions. Overcrowded collective centers have increased the demand for shelter and basic necessities. IOM explained that the funding will support both severely impacted and underserved locations.
To date, IOM has assisted nearly 6,000 individuals living in collective sites under its coordination. It has provided more than 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary housing, healthcare, and protection support. Local teams have expanded their operations across the affected states. The response involves collaboration between government authorities, local communities, and humanitarian organizations. IOM highlighted that this structure ensures aid is aligned with verified needs and integrates emergency relief with early recovery planning.
Earthquake relief effort emphasizes shelter and fundamental services
The appeal aims to ensure safe and dignified shelter throughout the recovery phase. It includes support for families residing in collective centers or temporary accommodations. Additionally, IOM plans to assist in restoring essential services within affected communities. Activities will focus on shelter management, healthcare, protection, and early recovery initiatives. Teams will carry out needs assessments and direct aid to damaged and underserved areas. The organization stated that this approach combines immediate relief with practical recovery efforts. The funding will also bolster coordination with public institutions and humanitarian partners.
The June 24 earthquake events involved two tremors with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. These quakes caused intense shaking in densely populated zones, with aftershocks complicating rescue operations and damage assessments. Homes, hospitals, roads, and water networks suffered extensive destruction. Several states experienced major disruptions to public services and transport. Many residents had to seek refuge in shelters or other temporary accommodations due to the damage.
Widespread humanitarian needs persist across impacted regions
Humanitarian assessments have documented significant needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million people require humanitarian aid, including about 680,000 children. Priority interventions include access to safe water, sanitation, medical care, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates specific funds for displacement management and site operations. It also supports recovery efforts related to damaged community infrastructure and services. These activities are structured within its 12-month emergency response framework.
Lia Poggio, IOM Venezuela chief, emphasized that recovery will require ongoing support. She noted that families need assistance with housing and restoring essential services. The agency plans to collaborate with government agencies and local partners. Its appeal outlines a year-long plan for emergency aid and recovery. The $98 million request will fund shelter, health, protection, and coordination initiatives, along with early recovery efforts in the most affected and underserved areas. IOM reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing verified needs throughout the affected communities.